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Matthew 5:38

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 5:38

Verse 38 of 48

Scripture focus

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Matthew 5:38 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:38

Theological / Devotional

Ye have heard. See v. 21. Fourth illustration contrasting law’s spirit with mere form. Verses 38-42 concern Christian attitude when suffering injury.

It hath been said. See v. 21.

An eye for an eye. Based on Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21. This law advanced justice over blood-feud systems, limiting retaliation to equal injury, administered by courts. It did not justify personal revenge (MB 70). Hammurabi’s law had similar provisions (Vol. I, p. 618).

By SdaBc